The Untold Truth: 8 Secrets From the Deep World of Phone Repair

Almost every part of our life in this digital age depends on mobile phones, from job to social interaction to enjoyment. You frequently take your phone to a reputable repair shop when it breaks down. But did you realize that phone repairs conceal a lot of little-known secrets? Being a seasoned professional in the digital field, Phonefix has chosen to expose these tips to help you steer clear of potential problems when fixing your phone in the future, even if it means facing backlash from its peers.

I. Industry Secrets and How to Avoid Them
1. So-called "Original Screens" Are Often Counterfeit
Many mobile phone repair shops claim to use "original" screens, which sounds reassuring. However, the truth is, the vast majority of these "original" screens offered by third-party repair shops are not genuine. Only official after-sales service providers can provide genuine screens. The so-called "original" screens commonly found on the market are often domestically produced or disassembled.

How to Tell a Real Screen From a Fake?
After your phone is repaired, the easiest way to verify its integrity is to use professional tools. For example, you can use a tool like the YCX Screen Tester. If the device displays "Unknown Component," you can be certain the screen is not genuine. Therefore, if you have high expectations for screen quality, it's recommended to choose official after-sales service.

2. Minor Repairs—An Industry Standard
In many repair shops, phone problems are often exaggerated. Sometimes, the problem is simply a loose cable, yet some unscrupulous dealers claim you need to replace the phone IC or even the entire core component of the phone. Be cautious when diagnosing your phone before repair. It's best to have the repair technician inspect it in person. It's recommended to supervise the entire repair process to avoid excessive repairs.

What do repair technicians typically do?
During the repair process, many repair technicians will disassemble the phone first and then use Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera to analyze the circuit boards and hardware to determine the cause of the problem. Sometimes, the problem is simply a simple connection issue that can be resolved by simply plugging and unplugging connectors, but it's not uncommon for some repair shops to deliberately exaggerate the issue in pursuit of higher profits.

3. Data Security Unsafe
Many repair shops claim they "will never touch your data," but is this truly true? The short answer is no. If your device isn't handled properly during a phone repair, there's a risk of data leakage. This is especially true at third-party repair shops, where they may indirectly access your private data through reinstalling the operating system or other methods.

How can you protect your data?
Before a repair, be sure to back up your phone's data and, if possible, log out of all personal information, including social media accounts and your Apple ID, in front of the repair technician. If possible, the safest option is to wipe your phone's data or perform a factory reset before repair.

4. Selling Used Parts as New
Some repair shops refurbish and resell disassembled parts, often presenting them as "brand new." While these parts may be used, repackaging and cleaning make their use virtually unnoticeable. Therefore, be mindful of this when replacing iPhone accessories.

How can you avoid buying used parts?
If you want to verify the authenticity of an accessory, ask the seller for the packaging and security code. If possible, it's best to request that the replaced parts be returned so you can inspect the condition of the parts yourself.

5. Quotation Schemes - Large Price Variations
Even at the same repair shop, different repair technicians can offer vastly different quotes. Some may offer a low price, but they may use low-quality parts during the repair; others may offer a high price, but they may simply replace relatively common parts. Therefore, before a repair, it's best to understand the market price of the repair to avoid being scammed by an inflated quote.

How to Avoid Being Scammed?
You can research the market price of relevant parts online and compare prices at several repair shops to ensure your chosen shop offers reasonable prices. When choosing a repair technician, don't simply judge their skill level based on price.

6. Waterproof Phones Almost Lose Waterproofness After Repair
More and more phones are becoming waterproof, but this feature isn't simply a design decision; it involves sophisticated technology and sealing. Many third-party repair shops fail to restore the phone's original airtightness during repairs. Even after repairs, the phone's waterproofing is often significantly compromised.

How Can I Ensure a Phone's Waterproofness?
If your phone is originally waterproof, it's best to opt for an official after-sales service. Official after-sales service typically uses a Pressure Holding Machine to restore the seal. If you choose a third-party repair shop, avoid exposing your phone to water after the repair.

7. Secretive Part Substitution
Some unscrupulous repair shops may secretly replace original phone parts with inferior replacements to save costs or maximize profits. For example, they might replace your phone's original battery with a disassembled one, or replace your iPhone rear camera parts with cheap knockoffs. Many users won't notice these changes after the repair, but the experience may actually be significantly degraded.

How to Prevent Part Substitution?
Before repairs, take photos of your phone's serial number and the appearance of the accessories to ensure that the repaired parts are identical to the originals. After receiving your phone, it's also best to inspect its various functions, especially key components like battery life and the camera.

8. Warranty Tricks
Many phone repair shops offer a certain warranty period, but these "warranties" often have many limitations. Many repair shops only promise a "three-month warranty" covering the replaced parts, and the definition of "man-made damage" is often vague. If a problem occurs with your phone, the repair shop may deny the warranty for various reasons.

How can you ensure post-repair protection?
During repairs, be sure to clearly state the warranty coverage and duration on the receipt. It's especially important to ensure these details are clear so you can effectively protect your rights if a problem arises.

II. Practical Tips
These are eight typical insider tips in the mobile phone repair sector. Consumers need to be on the lookout for repair scams and fake parts. It's advised that you steer clear of low-price temptation and, if feasible, select official or authorized repair facilities. You should safeguard both your phone and your wallet when you fix it.

Practical Tips Summary:
· Choose official after-sales service. Although the price may be higher, it provides greater peace of mind.
· Before the repair, check market prices to avoid being overcharged.
· Supervise the entire repair process to ensure Phone ICs are not tampered with.
· Keep all repair receipts so you can defend yourself if any issues arise.
· Always back up important data in advance to prevent data loss.

If you are worried about buying subpar repair equipment and accessories for your mobile phone, you can go to the official China Phonefix website. Phonefix will consistently upgrade its expert mobile phone repair tools and accessories. Please feel free to forward this information to your friends if you find it helpful; it might save you and your friends money.